Remote locking fifth wheel

ABSTRACT

A remote controlled locking system for locking a trailer to a truck by locking a mechanism that secures the truck to the trailer. The system may include a remotely located transmitter adapted to transmit a control signal. A receiving unit on the truck is adapted to receive the control signal. An actuator is coupled to the receiving unit and to the mechanism for selectively inhibiting movement of the mechanism depending on information relayed by the control signal.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from provisional U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 60/331,752, filed on Nov. 20, 2001, provisionalU.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/332,660, filed on Nov. 19, 2001, andU.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/092,318, filed on Mar. 6, 2002. U.S.patent applications having Ser. Nos. 60/331,752; 60/332,660; and10/092,318 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to coupling of trailers totrucks and/or tractors and, more particularly, the present inventionrelates to a remote controlled locking system for selectively locking acoupling or locking mechanism of a truck and/or tractor and a trailer.

BACKGROUND ART

Tractor trailers are used to transport a wide variety of loads. Sometractor trailers haul hazardous materials. A hazardous material loadcould pose a security risk, especially if the load can be moved to avulnerable location. Transportation security depends on keeping trailerloads, especially hazardous material loads under control at all times.

Trailers are typically coupled to tractors by a king pin of the trailersecured in a fifth wheel of the tractor. The fifth wheel includes alocking mechanism with jaws that engage the king pin to secure thetrailer to the tractor. The mechanism allows the jaws to disengaged.When the jaws are disengaged the king pin can be inserted into orremoved from the jaws, allowing the trailer to be coupled or uncoupledfrom the tractor. The mechanism also facilitates engagement to the jawsaround the king pin, securing the trailer to the tractor. One such fifthwheel mechanism is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,665 to Terry et al.,which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirely.

Many modem tractors include electronically controlled engines. GPSreceivers and sophisticated communications systems are available fortractors. Modem tractors may include an on-vehicle computer system thatcould be used to control the engine.

A trailer is generally much less sophisticated than the associatedtractor. Existing trailers do not typically include GPS receivers,communications systems, onboard computer systems or other systems thatwould allow the trailer to be adapted to be remotely controlled in theevent the trailer was seized and separated from the tractor.

As a result, there is a need for system that locks a trailer to anassociated tractor in response to a state of a remote signal. One suchsystem prevents locking jaws of a fifth wheel of a truck around a kingpin of a trailer from being released unless an appropriate remote signalis received by the system.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a remote controlled locking system forlocking a locking mechanism that secures a trailer to a truck. Thesystem may include a remotely located transmitter adapted to transmit acontrol signal. A receiving unit on the truck is adapted to receive thecontrol signal. An actuator coupled to the receiving unit and to thelocking mechanism selectively inhibits movement of the locking mechanismdepending on information relayed by the control signal.

In one embodiment of the remote control locking system, the lockingmechanism locks a kingpin of a trailer in jaws of a fifth wheel of atruck. The receiving unit monitors a state of the control signal. Theactuator is coupled to the fifth wheel jaws and is controlled by thereceiving unit. The receiving unit sends a lock signal or an unlocksignal to the actuator depending on the state of the control signaltransmitted by the transmitter. The actuator prevents the fifth wheeljaws from being disengaged from the kingpin when the receiving unitprovides a lock signal. The actuator allows the fifth wheel jaws to bedisengaged from the kingpin when the receiving unit provides the unlocksignal.

In one embodiment the actuator is a solenoid with an extendable lockpin. The lock pin extends to prevent the fifth wheel jaws from beingdisengaged from the kingpin when the receiving unit provides a locksignal to the solenoid. The lock pin may directly engage one of thecomponents of the fifth wheel jaws to prevent the fifth wheel jaws frombeing disengaged from the kingpin. The lock pin may also engage a handlever or a component attached to the hand lever to prevent the handlever from being pulled to prevent the fifth wheel jaws from beingdisengaged from the kingpin when the receiving unit provides the locksignal to the solenoid.

In one embodiment, the fifth wheel includes a linear actuator thatassists engagement and disengagement of the fifth wheel jaws. In thisembodiment, the actuator is an air solenoid. The air solenoid mayprevents the linear actuator from disengaging a fifth wheel lever,thereby preventing the fifth wheel jaws from disengaging from thekingpin when the receiving unit provides the lock signal to thesolenoid.

The control signal can be conveyed to the receiving unit in a variety ofways. For example, the signal may be transmitted by a low earth orbitsatellite system, a high earth orbit satellite system, short rangedigital communications (SRDC) or mobile telephones.

In one embodiment, the system includes a global positioning system onthe tractor. The receiving unit provides the lock signal when the globalpositioning system indicates that the truck is in an unacceptable area.In one embodiment, the receiving unit provides the lock signal when thereceiving unit is outside a predefined range of the transmitter. In thisembodiment, the receiving unit provides the unlock signal when thereceiving unit is inside the predefined range. In one embodiment, thepredefined range is defined by the range of a short range digitalcommunication system.

The system may be used to prevent a trailer from being uncoupled fromthe tractor in an unauthorized or unplanned area. In a method forpreventing a trailer from being uncoupled from a tractor in anunauthorized area, a planned trailer uncoupling area is defined. Thelocation of the tractor is monitored. Jaws of the fifth wheel of thetractor are locked around the kingpin of the trailer when the trailer isoutside the planned uncoupling area.

Additional features of the invention will become apparent and a fullerunderstanding obtained by reading the following detailed description inconnection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an over the highway tractor having afifth wheel;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a remote controlled fifth wheellocking system;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a remote controlled fifth wheellocking system;

FIG. 4 is a view taken along lines 4—4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 with a locking pin in a retractedposition;

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a remote controlled fifth wheellocking system;

FIG. 7 is a view taken along lines 7—7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 with a locking pin in a retractedposition;

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of a remote controlled fifth wheellocking system; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of communication between areceiving unit on a tractor and remote transmitters.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The following disclosure concerns a remote controlled locking system 10that selectively locks a locking mechanism 32 that secures a trailer 20to a tractor 16. In the illustrated embodiments, the tractor and trailerare secured by jaws 12 of a fifth wheel 14 of a tractor 16 around a kingpin 18 of a trailer 20. Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 6, 9 and 10, the system10 includes a remotely located transmitter 24 that transmits the controlsignal 22. A receiving unit 26 is mounted on the tractor 16. Thereceiving unit 26 monitors a state of the control signal. An actuator 28is coupled to the fifth wheel jaws 12. The actuator 28 is controlled bythe receiving unit. The actuator 28 prevents the fifth wheel jaws 12from being disengaged from the king pin 18 when the receiving unitprovides a lock signal to the actuator in response to the state of thecontrol signal. The actuator 28 allows the fifth wheel jaws 12 to bedisengaged from the king pin 18 when the receiving unit provides anunlock signal to the actuator 28 in response to the state of the controlsignal 22.

FIGS. 2, 3, 6, and 9 illustrate one type of fifth wheel ramp. It shouldbe readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosedsystem could also be used on a variety of other types of fifth wheels.The illustrated fifth wheel 14 includes a base member 30 and a mechanism32 that engages and disengages the jaws 12. The base member includes atop plate 34 and a peripheral flange 36, which are generally formed todefine a receiving throat 38 in which a kingpin 18 depending from atrailer fits. The base member 30 further includes the gussets andflanges necessary to give strength and support to the top plate andperipheral flange and includes mounting means for mounting the fifthwheel to the tractor. The mechanism 32 is mounted to the base member 30.

As may be seen in FIGS. 2, 3, 6, and 9, an operating handle 40 has afirst end 42 pivotally mounted to the base member 30 proximal throat 38at pivot axis 44 by a conventional bolt, spacers, and fasteners. In theillustrated embodiment, the operating handle 40 is an elongated memberthat extends past the throat 38. The operating handle is operativelyconnected to a bumper sub assembly 48 for concomitant motion therewithrelative to pivot axis 44. The bumper sub-assembly 48 is pivotallymounted to the operating handle 40 and is supported conventionally inthe base member. A coil spring 50 biases the bumper assembly toward aclosed position relative to the throat 38. The operating handle 40 isalso connected to a wedge member 52 by a pin 54, which may be formed onthe wedge member 52 or inserted therein. The pin 54 is received in aslot 56 formed in the operating handle at an angle offset from thelongitudinal axis of the operating handle to allow the wedge 52 to movein a straight line as the operating handle 40 pivots in an arc aboutaxis 44. A timing lever 58 has a first end 60 mounted to the pin 54 suchthat the timing lever 58 may pivot about the pin 54 as the wedge 52moves linearly. The timing lever 58 has a second end which has a cammingsurface 62 formed thereon and a follower pin 64 extending therefrom. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the operating handle 40, wedge 52, andtiming lever 58 are all generally plate like members and are in stackedrelation to one another at their common connection at pin 54. Thefollower pin 64 extends from the timing lever 58 in the direction of theoperating handle 40 and is designed for cooperative engagement with anedge of the operating handle during operation of the mechanism 32.

Extending from the opposite side of the timing lever 58 is a springbracket 66 which is connected to one end of an extension spring 67.Spring 67 is secured at its other end to the base member 30 at a bracket15, such that the timing lever 58 is biased for pivotal rotation aboutpin 54 toward throat 38. A camming pin 68 (FIGS. 3 and 6) is mounted tothe base member 30 intermediate bracket 15 and the camming surface 62 ontiming lever 58. The timing lever 58 also has formed therein anelongated slot 69 which is spaced from and extends radially from the pin54. Slot 69 receives therein a pivot pin 71 which extends from a jawmember 46. Jaw member 46 is cooperatively positioned with wedge member52 in accordance with the known operation of fifth wheels such that whena king pin is received in the throat 38, wedge member 52 abuts and urgesthe jaw member into locked engagement therewith to lock the kingpinagainst fixed jaw 47. Jaw member 46 is connected to the operating handle40 only through pin 71, timing lever 58, and pin 54. Extension spring 67biases the timing lever toward the throat such that the lever 58 isurged against pin 71. The operating handle 40 has a second end 55 whichcarries a locking and indicator assembly 51. The assembly 51 ispivotally connected to end 55 by a pin 82 for pivotal motion in a planesubstantially parallel to the plane of motion of operating handle 40.The second end 55 has a transverse arcuate slot 53 formed therein. Theslot receives a stabilizing pin 84 extending from the indicator assembly51. The assembly 51 is essentially a plate having a pawl 86 extendingfrom and forming one margin thereof and a dog 87 extending from andforming an opposite margin with pin 84 intermediate the margins. In theembodiment illustrated by FIG. 9, the dog 87 is connected by a pin andclevis or other suitable connection to an end of a rod 89 of a linearactuator 61 mounted to the base member 30. In this embodiment, thelinear actuator is connected to a remote source of fluid pressure forselective activation. In alternate embodiments (FIGS. 2,3 and 6), theactuator 61′ may be replaced with an extension spring or may have aninternal return spring 61 such that retraction of rod 89 urges assembly51 about in 84 toward dog 87.

The pawl 86 is pivotally connected to a pull handle 92 which extendsbeyond the base member 30 as is commonly known. In the illustratedembodiment, the pawl 86 and handle 92 are biased inwardly by theactuator or spring such that the pawl 86 is seated behind a stop 63formed on the base member 30. Accordingly, rotation of operating handle40 about the pivot axis 44 will result in pawl 86 abutting against stop63. In the illustrated fifth wheel, the operating handle 40 can only bemoved to the open position shown in FIG. 2 after assembly 51 has beenpivoted by the actuator 61 or handle 92 to move the pawl 86 such that itwill not engage the stop 63.

FIGS. 2, 6 and 9 shows the wedge 52 and jaw 46 of the mechanism 32 inthe closed locked position and the operating handle 40 in the closedposition. The assembly 51 is rotated to the closed position by theretracted rod 89 or spring 61′. Either actuator 61 or handle 92 could beused to apply force to assembly 51 to rotate it toward pawl 86 to movethe pawl to clear stop 63. Further force on the assembly begins to movethe operating handle 40 about pivot axis 44, causing wedge 52 to movelinearly away from its locking position. As wedge 52 moves, extensionspring 67 urges the second end of timing lever 58 toward camming pin 68until camming surface 62 abuts the pin 68.

As the operating handle continues to move to the open position the wedge52 and pin 54 move concomitantly, carrying the first end of lever 58outwardly and pivot the lever on camming pin 68 causing jaw 46 to begindisengaging the kingpin 18, until side 21′ of the operating handleengages follower pin 64 to carry the lever wedge and jaw to the fullyopen position. It will be understood that the bumper assembly 48 movesand operates in the conventional manner.

In the illustrated embodiments, the actuator 28 is an electricallycontrolled solenoid. The electrically controlled solenoid can be coupledto one or more of many of the components of the fifth wheel mechanism 32to selectively lock the fifth wheel. It should be readily apparent thatthe actuator 28 could be coupled to a component of a different type offifth wheel than the illustrated fifth wheel to selectively lock itsjaws.

FIGS. 2–5 illustrate one configuration for locking the fifth wheel jaws12 around a king pin 18. In the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 2–5, theactuator 28 is an electrically or electro-pneumatically controlled andpowered solenoid 100. The solenoid 100 is connected to the base member30. The solenoid 100 includes an extendable lock pin 102. The lock pin102 extends to prevent the fifth wheel jaws 12 from being disengagedfrom the king pin 18 when the receiving unit 26 provides a lock signalto the solenoid 100.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show the lock pin 102 in an extended or lock position. Inthe extended position the lock pin 102 is in the path of the wedgemember 52. If an operator attempts to disengage the fifth wheel jaws bypulling the handle 92 when the lock pin is in the extended position, thewedge member will engage the lock pin 102. Engagement of the wedge 52 bythe lock pin 102 prevents the jaw member 46 from opening around the kingpin 18.

FIGS. 2 and 5 show the lock pin 102 in an unextended or unlockedposition. In the unextended position the lock pin 102 is not in the pathof the wedge member 52. If an operator pulls the handle 92 when the lockpin is in the unextended position, the wedge member will clear the lockpin 102 and the jaw member 46 will open around the king pin 18.

FIGS. 6–8 illustrate a second configuration for locking the fifth wheeljaws 12 around a king pin 18. In the embodiment illustrated by FIGS.6–8, the actuator 28 is an electrically or electro-pneumaticallycontrolled and powered solenoid 104. The solenoid 104 is connected tothe base member 30. The solenoid 104 includes an extendable lock pin106. The lock pin extends to prevent the operating handle 40 from beingpulled to prevent the fifth wheel jaws from being disengaged from theking pin 18 when the receiving unit 26 provides a lock signal to thesolenoid.

FIG. 7 shows the lock pin 106 in an extended or lock position. In theextended position the lock pin 106 is in the path of the operatinghandle 40. If an operator attempts to disengage the fifth wheel jaws bypulling the handle 92 when the lock pin is in the extended position, theoperating handle 40 will engage the lock pin 106. Engagement of the lockpin 106 by the operating handle 40 prevents the jaw member 46 fromopening around the king pin 18.

FIG. 8 shows the lock pin 106 in an unextended or unlocked position. Inthe unextended position the lock pin 106 is not in the path of theoperating handle 40. If an operator pulls the handle 92 when the lockpin is in the unextended position, the operating handle 40 will clearthe lock pin 106 and the jaw member 46 will open around the king pin 18.

FIG. 9 illustrates a third configuration for locking the fifth wheeljaws 12 around a king pin 18. In the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 9,the fifth wheel mechanism 32 includes a linear actuator 61 that moves orassists movement of the operating handle 40. An electrically orelectro-pneumatically controlled and powered air solenoid 108 isconnected to the base member 30 and the linear actuator. The solenoid108 prevents the linear actuator from operating to disengage the fifthwheel lever, thereby preventing the fifth wheel jaws from beingdisengaged from the king pin when the receiving unit provides a locksignal to the solenoid.

In the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 9, a supply 110 of air underpressure is connected to an inlet 112 of the air solenoid 108. First andsecond outlets 114,116 of the air solenoid 108 are connected to firstand second inlets 118, 120 to the linear actuator 61. The inlets 118,120 are located on opposite side of a piston 122 of the actuator 61.When a lock signal is provided by the receiving unit 26 to the solenoid108, the solenoid directs air under pressure to the inlet 118. The airunder pressure acts against the piston to prevent the operating handle 4a from being pulled to disengage the jaws 12. When an unlock signal isprovided by the receiving unit to the solenoid, the solenoid directs airunder pressure to the inlet 120 on the opposite side of the piston(assisting movement of actuator 61 or shuts off the flow of air from thesupply 110 to the linear actuator. The handle can be pulled to disengagethe jaws 12 when the air solenoid is in this state.

In the exemplary embodiment, the actuator 28 is controlled by a signalthat is sent by electric means. A wide variety of communications systemsmay be used the transmitter 24 and receiving unit 26 for the lockingsystem. For example, a PC originated signal may be sent via the internetto terrestrial or satellite based transmitters and on to the truck. Inthe exemplary embodiment, an onboard computer 150 is linked to thereceiving unit 26. FIG. 10 illustrates some of the different types oftransmitters 24 that may be used in the locking system 10. FIG. 10illustrates that the control signal may come from a satellite 200, aterrestrial tower 202, or a global positioning satellite 204. A varietyof other types of transmitters could also be used. The signal 24 may beprocessed directly by the receiving unit 26 or may be processed by anonboard computer.

In one embodiment, the control signal is sent to the truck by a lowearth orbit satellite system. One acceptable low earth orbit satellitesystem is a Volvo Link system available from Volvo Trucks North America.In one embodiment, a high earth orbit satellite transmitter. Oneacceptable high earth orbit satellite system is provided by Qualcomm. Inone embodiment, a short range digital communications system is used toprovide the control signal to the tractor. In one embodiment, thetransmitter and the receiver comprise mobile telephones.

In one embodiment, the system 10 includes a global positioning system130. The global positioning system 130 is mounted on the truck (shown incommunication with computer 15 in FIG. 10) and is in communication withthe receiving unit and/or the onboard computer. A transmitter 132 may beincluded on the tractor 16. When the tractor includes a transmitter 132,the position of the tractor may be sent to a central control 134. Theglobal positioning system 130 can be used to determine the position ofthe tractor. If the position of the tractor 16 is unacceptable, thecentral control, the trucking company and/or governmental authority cansend a signal to the receiving unit 26 that locks the fifth wheel 14. Inan alternate embodiment, unacceptable locations are stored in theonboard computer 150. The computer causes the fifth wheel lock to beapplied when the GPS signal indicates that the tractor is in anunacceptable location.

In one embodiment, such as when the short range digital communicationssystem is used, transmitters may be placed at or near acceptabledecoupling areas. The actuator 28 locks the fifth wheel when it isoutside the range a transmitter 24 of an acceptable decoupling area.When the tractor enters the range of the transmitter the receiving unitreceives the control signal 22 and unlocks the fifth wheel. In thismanner, the trailer can only be disengaged from the tractor nearacceptable decoupling areas. In one embodiment, transmitters may beplaced at or near restricted areas. In this embodiment, the actuator 28locks the fifth wheel when the tractor is inside the range of thetransmitter.

In one embodiment, the system includes an electronic “heartbeat” monitor140. The monitor 140 continuously detects pulses or signals from thelocking system 10 that indicate that the system has not been tamperedwith. Tampering with the locking system, for example by cutting one ofthe wires of the system 10, will alter or eliminate the pulse from thelocking system. The monitor 140 detects the change in the pulse andcauses the actuator 28 to lock the fifth wheel when tampering hasoccurred.

In one embodiment, the locking system 10 locks the fifth wheel then thetractor 16 deviates from a planned route. The global positioning system130 is used to track the location of the tractor 16 and provides thelocation of the tractor to the onboard computer 150. The onboardcomputer determines whether the vehicle has deviated from the authorizedroute in excess of a predetermined limit. If the onboard computerdetermines that the vehicle has not deviated from the authorized route,a predetermined amount of time is allowed to elapse and the check isperformed again. If the vehicle onboard computer 150 determines that thevehicle has deviated from the authorized route in excess of companylimits the fifth wheel is locked by the locking system 10.

In one embodiment, the onboard computer 150 checks to determine whetherthe vehicle has entered a restricted perimeter or is approaching arestricted perimeter. The vehicle onboard computer may determine thatthe tractor is in a restricted perimeter when the distance between thevehicle global positioning system location and the restricted perimeterglobal positioning system location is less than a predetermineddistance. In another embodiment, a transmitter is located in therestricted area that provides a signal to the receiving unit 26 when thetractor is within range of the transmitter. The receiving unit thencauses the actuator to lock the fifth wheel 14.

In the exemplary embodiment, authorized vehicle routes and restrictedareas are defined by a central control 134 similar to an aircraft flightplan and given a route code number for entry into the onboard computer150. The driver may deviate from the authorized route within a definedtolerance radius established by central control. The onboard computer150 compares the vehicle's global positioning system location to theauthorized route to determine compliance. The fifth wheel is locked ifthe driver deviates from the authorized route in the exemplaryembodiment.

Restricted areas are considered to be sensitive. Examples of possiblerestricted sites are as follows:

1. Nuclear facilities

2. Military posts and/or National Guard Armories

3. Water supplies

4. Oil refineries

5. Suspension bridges

6. Tunnels

The disclosed locking system is used to lock jaws of a fifth wheel of atruck around a king pin of a trailer in response to a control signalfrom a remote location. Examples of control signals are globalpositioning system signals, satellite signals, signals sent viaterrestrial towers, radio signals and cellular signals. A state of thecontrol signal is monitored at the truck. The actuator 28 is moved to afirst position to allow the fifth wheel jaws to be disengaged from theking pin when the control signal indicates that it is acceptable for thetrailer to be uncoupled. The actuator 28 is moved to a second positionthat prevents the fifth wheel jaws from being disengaged from the kingpin when the control signal indicates that the trailer should not beuncoupled from the tractor.

Although the present invention has been described with a degree ofparticularity, it is the intent that the invention include allmodifications and alterations falling within the spirit and scope of thefollowing claims.

1. A remote controlled locking system for locking a king pin of atrailer in the jaws of a fifth wheel of a truck, comprising: a) atransmitter remotely located from said truck and said trailersurroundings and not controllable by an operator of said truck thattransmits a control signal; b) a receiving unit on said truck thatmonitors a state of said control signal; and c) an actuator coupled tothe fifth wheel jaws and coupled to said receiving unit, said actuatorprevents the fifth wheel jaws from being disengaged from said king pinwhen said receiving unit provides a lock signal to the actuator inresponse to said state of said control signal, said actuator allows thefifth wheel jaws to be disengaged from said king pin when said receivingunit provides an unlock signal to the actuator in response to said stateof control signal.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said actuator is asolenoid with an extendable lock pin, said lock pin extends to preventthe fifth wheel jaws from being disengaged from said king pin when saidreceiving unit provides a lock signal to the solenoid.
 3. The system ofclaim 2, wherein said lock pin limits movement of a wedge member toprevent the jaws from being disengaged.
 4. The system of claim 1,wherein said actuator is a solenoid with an extendable lock pin, saidlock pin extends to prevent a fifth wheel hand lever from being pulledto prevent the fifth wheel jaws from being disengaged from said king pinwhen said receiving unit provides a lock signal to the solenoid.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein said actuator is a solenoid with anextendable lock pin, said lock pin extends to limit movement of anoperating handle to prevent the fifth wheel jaws from being disengagedfrom said king pin when said receiving unit provides a lock signal tothe solenoid.
 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a linearactuator coupled to said jaws, wherein said actuator is an air solenoidcoupled to said linear actuator that prevents said linear actuator fromoperating to disengage a fifth wheel lever, thereby preventing the fifthwheel jaws from being disengaged from said king pin when said receivingunit provides a lock signal to the solenoid.
 7. The system of claim 1wherein said actuator is an electrically controlled solenoid.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein said transmitter is a low earth orbitsatellite transmitter.
 9. The system of claim 1 wherein said transmitteris a high earth orbit satellite transmitter.
 10. The system of claim 1wherein said transmitter and said receiving unit comprise a short rangedigital communications system.
 11. The system of claim 1 wherein saidtransmitter and said receiving unit comprise mobile telephones.
 12. Amethod of locking jaws of a fifth wheel of a truck around a king pin ofa trailer, comprising: a) transmitting a control signal remotely locatedfrom said truck and said trailer surroundings and not controllable by anoperator of said truck; b) monitoring a state of said control signal atsaid truck; c) coupling an actuator to the fifth wheel jaws; d) movingthe actuator to a first position to allow the fifth wheel jaws to bedisengaged from said king pin when said control signal is in a firststate; and e) moving the actuator to a second position to prevent thefifth wheel jaws from being disengaged from said king pin when saidcontrol signal is in a second state.
 13. The method of claim 12 whereinsaid actuator is a solenoid with an extendible lock pin, said lock pinextends to prevent the fifth wheel jaws from being disengaged from saidking pin when said signal is in said second state.
 14. The method ofclaim 12 wherein said actuator is a solenoid with an extendible lockpin, said lock pin extends to prevent a fifth wheel hand lever frombeing pulled to prevent the fifth wheel jaws from being disengaged fromsaid king pin when said signal is in said second state.
 15. The methodof claim 12 wherein said actuator is an air solenoid that prevents apneumatic line from disengaging a fifth wheel lever to prevent the fifthwheel jaws from being disengaged from said king pin when said signal isin said second state.
 16. The method of claim 12 wherein said signal istransmitted by a low earth orbit satellite transmitter.
 17. The methodof claim 12 wherein said signal is transmitted by a high earth orbitsatellite transmitter.
 18. The method of claim 12 wherein said signal istransmitted by a short range digital communications system.
 19. Themethod of claim 12 wherein said signal is transmitted by mobiletelephones.
 20. The method of claim 12 further comprising determiningwhether said truck is in an unacceptable area and moving the actuator toprevent the fifth wheel jaws from being disengaged from said king pinwhen it is determined that said truck is in an unacceptable area. 21.The method of claim 12 further comprising moving the actuator to preventthe fifth wheel jaws from being disengaged from said king pin when saidtruck is outside a pre-defined range of said transmitter and moving theactuator to allow the fifth wheel jaws to be disengaged from said kingpin when said truck is inside said pre-defined range.
 22. A method oflocking jaws of a fifth wheel of a truck around a king pin of a trailer,comprising: a) transmitting a control signal from a remote location; b)monitoring a state of said control signal at said truck; c) coupling anactuator to the fifth wheel jaws; d) moving the actuator to a firstposition to allow the fifth wheel jaws to be disengaged from said kingpin when said control signal is in a first state; e) moving the actuatorto a second position to prevent the fifth wheel jaws from beingdisengaged from said king pin when said control signal is in a secondstate; and, f) moving the actuator to prevent the fifth wheel jaws frombeing disengaged from said king pin if a circuit that controls saidactuator is tampered with.
 23. A method of preventing a trailer frombeing uncoupled from a tractor in an unauthorized area, comprising: a)defining a planned trailer uncoupling area; b) monitoring a location ofthe tractor; and c) sending a signal from a remote transmitter to thetrailer locking jaws of a fifth wheel of the tractor around a king pinof the trailer when the tractor is outside the planned uncoupling area.